Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
04:42

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder

Published on: May 2, 2025

677

Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with bipolar disorders: A scoping review

Michele Fornaro1, Michele De Prisco1, Martina Billeci1

  • 1Section on Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.

Journal of Affective Disorders
|September 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

People with bipolar disorder (BD) are highly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing impacts on stressors, service use, infection risk, and preventative behaviors. Further research is crucial to understand and address these challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Mental Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant global health and societal disruption.
  • The specific impact on individuals with severe mental illness, such as bipolar disorder (BD), remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a scoping review on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with bipolar disorder (BD).
  • To identify key themes and knowledge gaps regarding BD and the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to April 24, 2021.
  • Inclusion of studies covering clinical and public health themes related to BD during the pandemic.
  • Adherence to PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews.

Main Results:

  • Fourteen papers were included, revealing four major themes: COVID-19 stressors' impact on BD, mental health service utilization, SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, and engagement in preventative behaviors.
  • Additional areas requiring further investigation were identified.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the heightened vulnerability of people with BD during the pandemic.
  • Further research is needed to compare pandemic impacts on BD patients with pre-pandemic data, the general population, and other severe mental illnesses to guide public health interventions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats07:57

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

Published on: February 22, 2018

21.3K
Implementation of a Real-Time Psychosis Risk Detection and Alerting System Based on Electronic Health Records using CogStack07:31

Implementation of a Real-Time Psychosis Risk Detection and Alerting System Based on Electronic Health Records using CogStack

Published on: May 15, 2020

7.3K

Related Concept Videos

Bipolar Disorder01:30

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
186
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview01:24

Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview

Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as...
372
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
460
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
265
Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
183
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
232